Beware False Prophets

I wanted to try a video post again for this week.  I am really enjoying the learning and growth I am experiencing as I strive to follow the promptings of the Spirit for this blog.  My plan moving forward is to have both written and video entries.  Please let me know what you think.  Your support and friendship mean so very much to me.

General Conference will be broadcast Saturday, April 2 and Sunday April 3.  To view click here.

Helpful aids for studying out this post

"Do You Hear What I Hear?" posted, December 24, 2010

Matthew 7: 15-20- Beware false prophets

Galatians 5:22-23- Fruits of the Spirit

Numbers 21:5-9 & John 3:14- Moses and the serpent on the staff

Ephesians 2:19-20- Christ's church built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets

The Parable of the Sower

It is my hope that as you watch this video, you will invite the spirit to enlighten your mind.  Seek guidance as to how you can create more fertile ground in your heart to receive the pleasing word of God. May He bless you in your efforts!

Take My Yoke Upon You

28-Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29-Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30-For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. 

 Matthew 11

I am SO grateful for the companionship of my Savior as I travel through this life.  Let's be honest!  Sometimes this journey can be downright painful!  Understanding that adversity is a tool which the Father uses to refine and mold me, blesses my soul with peace and hope as I struggle to navigate this sometimes burdened path.  Understanding that He knows and loves me perfectly helps me to trust that each experience He gives me is for my ultimate good.  He has custom tailored my life plan to best develop and transform me from this flawed and mortal state into something far greater.  I take great comfort knowing that His vision for my life is infinite! It is up to me to trust in that vision!  

Adversity and struggle are not optional during this period of mortality!  The choice we have lies in how we will face it!  It is my testimony that as we meet the challenges that  come, securely yoked with Christ... we will become enlarged and empowered because of the opportunity to more fully rely on Him. What a blessing it is to Walk With The Savior!!!

The True Disciple

A disciple is a learner of a discipline.  As followers of the Savior, we are engaged in the discipline of becoming like the Father.  In Matthew chapters 6 and 7, Christ teaches us the qualities and characteristics which mark true disciples.  As you read today (or maybe over the next few days... this is a long one!)... I invite you to prayerfully consider where you can become more true in your discipleship. Heed the promptings you will receive and move forward making the necessary changes to follow Him more fully.   I testify that the only sure road to peace and joy in this life, and in the life to come, is the road of the disciple! 

True disciples do the right things for the right reasons.
Matthew 6

1- Take heed that ye do not your alms (acts of religious devotion) before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

4- That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

19- Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt...

20- But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven...

21- For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

In The Sermon on the Mount the Savior teaches us the higher law.  Rather than focus on the actions, His focus is on the heart.  It is possible to do all of the right things and still have your heart removed far from Him.  His desire is to have our hearts set on Him knowing that good works will follow.  When we do any good thing in the hopes of being seen of men, or to gain glory in the sight of those around us, we are as the hypocrites.  It is interesting to note that the word hypocrite in this sermon is translated from the Greek word that means "play actor".  In other words, when our heart is set on the glory of man, rather than on the glory of God we are not true disciples.  As our eye becomes single to the glory of God, we value what He values and treasure what He treasures.  We lay up for ourselves everlasting treasure in heaven, which can be undone by no one but ourselves.  God delights to bless and honor those who bless and honor Him!

True disciples follow the Savior's example of prayer.
Matthew 6

7- But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do:  for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Here the Lord is teaching us that we should be sincere when we pray, truly speaking to our Father.  Think of the phrase "vain repetitions".  When we are vain, we are excessively concerned with our appearance.  Once again the Savior's focus here is on our heart or our motivation when we pray.  Are we more concerned with how we sound or appear, or in having sweet communion with our Father?  When I pray, I love to visualize myself kneeling at the feet of my loving Father.  I can feel His love and concern for me personally.  I know that if it is important to me... it is important to Him.  I strive to pour out my heart to Him in sincerity and then to listen, or feel for His response which comes as impressions to my mind and my heart.

8- Be not he therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask of him.

The Father knows my needs far better than I do.  Clearly, He doesn't ask us to pray because it benefits Him... but rather because the effort blesses us.  Prayer is a form of work through which our will can be brought into alignment with His.  As this happens we are able to receive of His richest blessings.

9- After this manner therefore pray ye:  Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name...

In the Lord's Prayer, Christ demonstrates for us the reverent language and tone of the disciple's prayer.  As we come to understand that God is our Father and that we are His literal children, sincere prayer becomes natural and instinctive. 

True disciples treat others kindly and fairly.

Matthew 7

12- Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them:  for this is the law and the prophets.

Christ is the perfect example of how we should treat our fellowmen.  How can you tell if someone is truly converted to Jesus Christ? Paul teaches,

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal."

1 Corinthians 13:1

I believe that this is because charity is the fruit of a converted heart.  If you aren't feeling love and goodwill towards your fellowman, and aching to be a vehicle of His love... it is likely that something is amiss in your spiritual center.  The way a person treats others is the greatest evidence of how near their heart is drawn to God.

True disciples serve God and do His will.
Matthew 6

33- Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

To seek is defined as "going in search or quest of".  Why is it important to seek God and His will first before any temporal pursuit?  It is my experience that as I strive to prioritize my day according to His will everything falls into it's proper place.  Things that I mistakenly thought were important fall out of my life if it isn't part of His will and purpose for me.  My time becomes filled with pursuits which He knows will bring me the fullest joy.  I am able to invest my effort into becoming what He knows I can become.  I trust that for those who seek Him and embrace His will in their lives... He truly has glories in store which are yet unseen!  He is all-wise, all-knowing and perfectly loving.  What a gift it is to follow the Savior and draw near unto Him!

Be ye therefore perfect? - Guest contributor - My Mom

As God led Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, he devised a perfect plan to help the covenant children leave behind the "world" and look forward to the day of true deliverance when he would come to redeem them from their sins. He gave them the Law of Moses, everything pointing to that future great and eternal sacrifice.

Approximately 1600 years later, in the the meridian of time, the keeping of the Law of Moses enabled  many to have "eyes to see and ears to hear." They recognized Jesus for who he was and followed him. They received. Sadly there were also those who had embellished the law given by God, looking blindly beyond the mark, using the law to persecute others and establish their own power.

To a multitude gathered on a mountain side, Jesus taught regarding the ten commandments given to ancient Israel. He urged his followers to "do and teach" them. However, he clarified that keeping the commandments was a matter of "heart" not a merely a legalistic exercise. The beatitudes then, now and forever reveal the keys of happiness and blessedness. They are the foundation principles of the commandments.

Jesus' teachings on that holy mount included a call to perfection. (Matthew 5:48 KJV) As we take the name of Jesus Christ upon us and are filled with his love, we keep the commandments as a matter of our love for God and for our fellowman. We yearn to grow and learn through his grace and power. We have a repentant nature as we come up against our weaknesses. We receive of the Savior's sacrifice in our behalf. We begin to reflect the light of His perfect love for each and every one we meet. Ultimately, after much striving and receiving of his grace, in him and through him we are made perfect. Jesus is literally the "fulfillment" of the law.

     Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.

     And again, if ye by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.  (Moroni's final testimony) Moroni 10:32-34

Next week we will finish "The Sermon on the Mount" in Matthew 6&7.  Happy studying:)

The Priceless Friend

A friend is a person who is willing to take me the way I am, but who is willing and able to leave me better than he found me.

Marvin J Ashton

"What is a Friend?" 

In Mark chapter 2 we read:

1- And again he (Jesus) entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.
2- And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

At this point in Christ's ministry, word had spread of His power and miracles.  He entered into a home to preach and it was filled to overflowing.  Four friends of a man stricken with the palsy had heard of Christ's power to heal and desired to bring their friend to the Savior.

3- And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne (carried) of four.

Seeing the crowded house, they realized that they would not be able to gain access to the Savior through the door.  How did they solve their problem?  What can we learn from their tenacity in helping their friend?

 
4- And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
5- When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
10- ... that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
11- I say unto thee, Arise and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
12- And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God...

I love that this man was healed both spiritually and physically, because of the faith  and tenacity of His friends.  These two qualities mark the difference between a good friend, and the priceless friend.  The best kind of friend is one who knows that full joy, peace and healing lie at the feet of the Savior and will do everything in his power to bring a loved one there.  I thank my Father for the dear friends in my life who by their loving examples have led me to my Savior.  I want to be that kind of a friend!

Next week:  Matthew 5- The Sermon on the Mount!  

It's ALL about LOVE

Love one another and be Happy.

It's as simple and as difficult as that! 

In 1 John 4:8 we learn that God is Love. The grand motive for all that He does is the perfect, selfless love He has for each of us.  He loves us without condition or qualification.  

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our own likeness.

Genesis 1:26 

Knowing this helps us to understand that not only do we look like Him, we also have His likeness within us.  Peter refers to this as our "divine nature". (See 2 Peter 1:4-8)   Each of us has the opportunity to develop these godly qualities if we will but seek and search for Him with all of our hearts.  Knowing that God is Love, helps us to understand that this same quality is a fundamental thread in the fabric of our souls.

 If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 1 John 4:12

As we become more loving and our focus turns outward, our hearts become a warm and safe dwelling place for His spirit.  We experience His love in new and deeper ways.  We are able to receive His love more perfectly and in turn extend His love to all with whom we associate.

Love is the guiding light that illuminates the disciple's path and fills our daily walk with life, meaning and wonder. 

Love is the way of the disciple.

 "The Love of God" October 2009 - Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Next week we will look at Mark 2: 1-12

 

The Savior's Pattern

This week's reading is about the call of the original 12 apostles. In Matthew 9:36-38, we learn of Christ's purpose in calling these special witnesses.

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Then saith he unto his disciples,  

The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

He called the apostles and set them apart to be His representatives.  He gave them power to act in His name in benefit of all to whom they would minister.(Matthew 10:1)  Did He intend for only those who lived at the meridian of time to be blessed by this organization, or was He establishing the pattern for His church, so that even those of us who live today could reap the same blessings?  In Ephesians 2:19-20, Paul declares

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, 

but fellow citizens with the saints, and the household of God;

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, 

Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.

Christ demonstrated His pattern and Paul testified of it!  I add my testimony to Paul's, that indeed, Christ's church is still built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone!  I invite you to listen to the words of one of His apostles of these, the last days.

Becoming Born Again

Jesus Christ teaches:

Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Born Again... An Event or A Process???

In John 3, Christ continues teaching.  

15- For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

16- For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Think on the word "believeth".  What does it mean to truly believe in him?  Is "belief" a one time proclamation, or a life long demonstration?  How does Christ distinguish between those who believe and those who don't?  Let's read on and see what He says.

17- He that believeth on him is not condemned:  but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

18- And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkeness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Here, He tells us that through our deeds, we demonstrate what it is that we love, whether it be light or darkness.

19- For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

20- But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

I love my Father and His Son with ALL of my heart.  Daily I rededicate my life to them.  Despite my best efforts, there are absolutely times which I "do, speak or think evil".  Does my lack of perfection demonstrate that indeed I don't believe in Him?  Does it mean that I am one who will be condemned?  

Let's bring this scripture into context with last week's study.  As we discussed, each of us fall overwhelmingly short of Christ's perfection.  This is why His commandment to repent is essential to our spiritual progress and rebirth.  Attempting to hide our deeds in darkness shows a lack of love, trust, and believing of our Savior Jesus Christ.  Presenting our deeds to Him in truth, both the good and the bad, allows His grace, or enabling power, to rest upon us.  As we strive to continually turn our will to His and forsake our sins, or repent, we demonstrate our trust and belief in His ability to make us whole and ultimately to save us! Thus, we progress on our path of spiritual rebirth and gradually our natures are changed.  We become more like Him and experience the "mighty change of heart".  This is ALL because of His goodness, His righteousness and His mercy!  I praise His most holy name!

For next week I invite you to study, Luke 4:14-32; 5; 6:12-16 and Matthew 10. 

Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord

Centuries before the birth of the Savior, many prophets foresaw the ministry of the one who was called to prepare the way of the Lord.  This great prophet, who we know as John the Baptist, was given the singular mission of preparing the very people who would receive the mortal Savior.  What was his message to them?

"Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand... 

Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight."

Matthew 3: 2-3

Who was John's intended audience?  Was it only those who physically would walk with the Savior?  I believe that John's message is a personal invitation to each of us individually, to receive the Lord.  He tells us, in beautiful simplicity, what we must do if we are to prepare the way of the Savior into our hearts, that we might walk with Him in His paths.

What is Repentance?

As a youth and even into my adult years, I believed repentance was for when I had done something gravely wrong.  While this is true, repentance is so much more.  As I have learned and grown in my gospel understanding, I have come to love this beautiful principle.  It is a tool the Father has blessed us with through the Atonement of the Savior.  Repentance is the process through which we follow the Savior and become like Him.

Sometimes the gap between who I am and who the Savior is can feel overwhelming.  Over the years, the spirit has taught me that as I strive to live with a repentant heart... step by step that gap can be overcome because of His goodness, His mercy and His power to carry me the distance I cannot achieve on my own.  

The Bible Dictionary defines repentance as: 

"a turning of the heart and will to God, and a 
renunciation of sin to which we are naturally inclined."

With this definition in mind, living in a state of constant repentance becomes a healing, peace giving gift.  For me this is a moment to moment opportunity that I am deeply and profoundly grateful for.

Following His baptism, the Savior retired to the wilderness for 40 days of fasting and prayer.  After rebuking the great tempter in every point, we read,

"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say,

Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Matthew 4:17

Next week we will look at John 3 & 4.  I encourage you to prayerfully study these chapters  this week.  May God bless you in your efforts to draw nearer to Him!

He That Seeks Shall Find

Thank you... Thank you SO much for all of the thoughts you have shared in your comments!  Each of the insights you have given touch my heart deeply!  Once again... I am SO grateful for your companionship on this walk and recognize that I am truly blessed by your association.  I offer you my sincere thanks and love!

Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually.

1 Chronicles 16:11

Last week I promised to share a very sacred and personal experience I had about 5 years ago with hearing the voice of the Lord speak directly to me.   It was a season of my life filled with extreme pain and struggle.  It seemed at every turn another trial or burden presented itself.  I was making significant effort to seek the will of the Lord in my life... striving to know what He would have me do.  I felt guidance from time to time, but still the challenges, the pain and the despair remained.  During this period, I had made the commitment to read 25 pages of the Book of Mormon each week.  I knew that I needed the strength found in the word of God. 

It was Sunday night, the last night, of my second week of  study.  I was only on page 40 and had planned on reading the last 10 pages to meet my goal before going to bed that night.  Through a series of difficult events that evening, I came to realize that one of my children had been the victim of a horrible atrocity.  I cannot adequately express the devastation and confusion which encompassed my entire being.  I was filled with anguish and fear.  After talking things over with my husband... trying to make sense of things and come up with a game plan... I fell into bed overwhelmed in my desperation.  As my head hit the pillow, the thought occurred to me that I had yet to complete my study goal.  I pushed it aside, hoping to cry myself to sleep.  Again, the impression swept over me that I needed to get up and read the last 10 pages to meet my goal.  I consciously thought, "There is no way that I am going to get anything out of my scriptures tonight!"  My mind was unquietable.  My thoughts and emotions were swirling like a vicious storm.  I dismissed the impression once again.  At this point the spirit compelled me out of my bed and into the living room to struggle through these pages of scripture.

In this portion of the Book of Mormon, the prophet Nephi is teaching his brothers the words of Isaiah.  There are numerous chapters which are straight quotes of the great prophet of the Old Testament.  I have yet to develop to the point in my scripture study where I comprehend much of Isaiah.  However, with significant prayer and focus there are many passages which God has begun to open up to my understanding.  Like I said though... this requires a quiet mind on my part as well as intentional focus and prayer.  On this particular night I was far beyond my own capacity to "be still".  I sobbed as I frantically read the passages.  There was no peace in my soul.  I was compelled to press on, despite my complete inability to absorb even one concept.  I continued to swirl through the pages, knowing that I wasn't gaining anything.  After a time however I began to feel that there was a message for me in those pages... I just needed to press through and heed the prompting of the spirit.  As I approached the 50th page... I began to KNOW that the message would be given if I would finish out the assignment.  As surely as the sun will rise in the morning... the Son will give light to those who seek!  I was within two verses of the bottom of page 49 and had still yet to receive.  Of the last eleven words on page 49, five of them read,   

"I will save your children!"

I was overcome.  I read and re-read those words.  I chuckled through my tears because of my own resistance in receiving His comfort and assurance.  I was able to go to bed... still fearful and devastated... but with the assurance that a loving Father in Heaven was mindful of me in my pain and that He would indeed save my children.  The next day I was able to move forward in faith and was guided to the right resources to bring healing into the heart of my child and in turn into mine.

I now look back on this season of my life with awe.  It really is amazing to me, just how much I was called to struggle and grow through.  During that time, which spanned over several years... I gained the priceless conviction in my testimony that God is mindful! He is there!  He waits for me to come to Him to receive of His healing, guidance and fullness!  I would not trade this conviction for anything!  I mean that literally and truly.

It has been said, 

"When we want to talk to God, we pray. 

When we want Him to talk to us, we open our scriptures." 

I know this to be true.  The scriptures aren't the only way He speaks to us... but the search and the study of them is essential in coming to know Him as well as what His voice sounds like.

Next week we will look at Matthew chapters 3 and 4; as well as John 1:35-51.  I invite you to study out these passages of scripture this week, seeking enlightenment, revelation and new understanding.  Ask the Father, each time you study, to teach you through the Holy Ghost.  Listen for the promptings that will come and then... move forward in faith.  May your week be filled with His love and purpose!

All Things Which Are Good...

This week a good friend asked me the following question,

"How can I know when I am being prompted by the Spirit?"

I feel it is important to to firmly establish this principle before moving forward into the New Testament this year.  Learning to seek, identify and heed the promptings of the Holy Ghost is foundational in the effort to draw closer to the Savior.  Developing a companionship with the Spirit is a process which take consistent, persistent effort over time.  Like anything else worth while... practice makes perfect.  The good news is that God receives us where we are and patiently and lovingly feeds us, "line upon line, precept upon precept".

I am confident that the ways that different individuals receive promptings are as numerous as the precious souls on this planet.  I will share today with you what I have learned to this point in my process.  I invite you to comment on how it works for you.

Years ago, I used to struggle with this same question... "How can I really know that the thoughts I am having are from the Spirit and not just thoughts I am making up in my mind?"  One Sunday, a leader in my church women's group answered this question.  She opened her scriptures to, Moroni 7:16.

...Every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. 

This truth sunk deep into my soul that day.  I have learned since then to identify the little ideas that pop into my mind through out the day... and even the night, which invite me to do good, as promptings from the Holy Ghost.  Frequently, as I will pray, a thought to call a neighbor... to write a thank you note... to express love to a child... will come into my mind.  For a long time, I would actually have a pencil and paper in hand while I prayed so that I could write out all of the different thoughts that would come.  I would then check each one off of the list as I followed through on the prompting.  Sometimes, to my awareness, nothing significant would result because of my action.  Often enough though, a friend would receive my act with gratitude and sometimes even words confirming that I was used to answer prayers they were offering.  This was kind of my experimental phase.  I wasn't really sure if I was interpreting His will correctly... but I was giving it my best effort.  Each time I received the fruits of my actions, either good or bad, I learned more accurately to  differentiate between His voice and my own mind and will.

When seeking guidance for my own life or for those in my family, I have similarly learned to recognize His guidance.  For me, this is how it works.  I will pray, asking openly and honestly, for light and understanding in an area of my life clouded with uncertainty or darkness.  This includes both my formal, kneeling down by the bed prayers, as well as continual prayer and effort through out my daily activities.  I strive to make these prayers conversational, where I speak and then pause to listen and then respond to my impressions and listen again.  I will open my scriptures, asking for God to teach me through the Holy Ghost, each and every time.  I will pay attention to thoughts or ideas that come, as to what the next step He would have me take might be... and then I strive to act on those.  

When I first started doing this, I would move forward not really knowing if I was being guided by Him or my imagination.  With time to experiment on... and exercise this spiritual muscle... I have come to a place where I have learned to identify His guidance with confidence and surety.

Understanding that God rarely gives big, grand or final solution answers is important.  Typically for me, He gently guides me step by step, prompting by precious prompting through a sometimes lengthy process, before bringing me to final resolution.  I have learned to cherish this process, because I recognize this is for my maximum learning, growth and development.  It is beautiful!

So here is my invitation for you.  Begin to actively seek the companionship of the Holy Ghost in your life.  Begin to act on ideas or thoughts that come to you... which invite you to do good or persuade you to believe in Christ.  Evaluate the fruits of your actions and begin to distinguish between His promptings and your own thoughts.  

This exercise is essential in developing a closer relationship with the Savior and learning to walk with Him.

Next Sunday, I will share a personal experience with you which I hold sacred in my heart.  I am so grateful for His constant reminders that He is there, mindfully and lovingly watching over me... waiting for me to reach out and take His hand.

Today Lord, I ask thee to help me identify the promptings of the Holy Ghost.  I recognize that He is the means through which I can draw near unto thee.

I Am The Truth...

All week long I have been seeking to know God's will for this blog.  I have prayed much, listened and pondered much, and today fasted for guidance to know what it is that He would have me write here.  I am grateful for the direction He has given... and here it is!  This year, we will study together, the life of the Savior using the New Testament as our primary source.  I am thrilled for the opportunity to come to know Him better with you... my friends.  Before we get started though, I want to share with you a foundational truth God reinforced in my heart today.
 
In Moroni 10:5, we are taught

By the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

This morning before leaving for church, I sat down with my babes for a brief moment in the scriptures.  I read the above scripture and shared my testimony of the essential nature of having the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.  He is the direct line to the Father and His Son.  If I want to have God's will made manifest in my life, qualifying for the Spirit and heeding the promptings He will send are prerequisite.  With that, we had our family prayer and were off to church.

As the sacrament was being administered, I sat in quiet reflection and prayer.  The following declaration by Christ was called into my mind. 

I am the Way, the truth, and the life:  no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:6 

 I love the new layers of depth and meaning which unfold within the scriptures as I search them through out my days.  Constantly, God illuminates my mind with fresh understanding of passages of scripture I have read repeatedly over time.  Today.. a new layer of this verse was opened up to me.  

Christ is the Way.  He is the means through which salvation can be obtained.  In addition, His life serves as a pattern, or way, for us to live our lives.  

He is the truth.  Truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were and as they are to come. (D&C 93:24) Truth is the light of Christ.  He is the source of all truth, which is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Christ is the life.  Not only is Christ our literal Creator, the giver of life... He is the only means through which we can obtain life eternal. 

Here is the new light the Spirit shed on my mind today.  One of the titles Christ establishes for himself is "the Truth".  Not only does all truth originate in Him but He literally is truth.  It is by the power of the Holy Ghost that we come to know "truth" or to know Christ.  This means that if I want to know my Savior better... I must be sure that the mode through which I can know Him is fully functional in my life.  The mode which God has given is the Holy Ghost.  

I have come to know, with deep conviction, that the absolute, number one priority in my day to day endeavors must be qualifying for the companionship of the Holy Ghost.  EVERYTHING else which I do, is secondary to this most important task.  I can only become the woman that God wants me to be if I am receiving His guidance through the Spirit.  I can only become the wife and mother that He sent me here to be... if I heed His promptings as to how I can best support, lead and guide my babes home to Him.  I can only become the sister and friend He knows I can be as I receive His love and grace through the companionship of the Holy Ghost and in turn extend it to all with whom I associate.  I can only come to my Father through my Savior, and I can only come to know my Savior through the Holy Ghost.  

I invite you to consider ways which you can more fully access the power of the Holy Ghost in your life.  Some of the barriers to His full companionship I have identified in my own life are...

impatience, anger, critical thinking, and dishonesty.

Note how each of these can be both with myself and others.

Some of the helpful aids I have found in qualifying for His companionship are...

morning prayer and scripture study, (this sets the tone for my day)

quiet time to commune with Him which requires not only quieting external, but also internal noise.

(this is frequently done as I go about my daily responsibilities)

obedience to the promptings I receive.

Lord, I want to know thee better.  Today I ask thee to please illuminate my mind with the changes thou would have me make so that I can more fully qualify for the Holy Ghost.  Help me to move forward in thy strength and confidence.

What Shall We Give To The Babe In The Manger?

 As risen Lord, the Savior invites:

And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me 

a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

3Nephi 9:20

 A "broken heart" implies one that is open, 

ready to receive the Savior's healing grace.

A "contrite spirit" is one which recognizes it's reliance on the Divine and  

submits to the will of the Father because of trust and love.

Today Lord, I open my heart to thee.  

I ask thee to please fill it with thy love and goodness. 

Alice Gray tells the story of a young girl who fell in love with a strand of pearls at a five and dime store.  The price tag of approximately $2.00 was more than she had to give.  Her mom assured her that if she would do some extra chores and use the birthday money she would receive the following week, that she would have enough money to purchase her precious pearls.  Jenni did her part and was elated when the day finally arrived for her trip to the store.  She and her mom cheerfully left with with her new treasure.  

Jenni loved her pearls.  She wore them everywhere, except in the bath because her mom warned that they might turn her neck green.

Jenni had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story.  One night when he finished the story, he asked Jenni, 

"Do you love me?"

"Oh yes, Daddy.  You know that I love you."

"Then give me your pearls."

"Oh Daddy, not my pearls.  But you can have Princess--- the white horse from my collection.  The one with the pink tail.  Remember, Daddy?  The one you gave me.  She's my favorite."

"That's okay, Honey.  Daddy loves you.  Good night."  And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.

About a week later, after the story time, Jenni's daddy asked again,

"Do you love me?"

"Daddy, you know that I love you."

"Then give me your pearls."

"Oh Daddy, not my pearls.  But you can have my baby doll.  The brand new one I got for my birthday.  She is so beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."

"That's okay.  Sleep well.  God bless you, little one.  Daddy loves you."  

And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.

A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenni was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian-style.  As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.

"What is it, Jenni?  What's the matter?"

Jenni didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. 
And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. 
With a little quiver, she finally said, 

"Here Daddy.  It's for you."

With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenni's kind daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime-store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenni.  He had had them all the time.  He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store strand so he could give her genuine treasure.

Help me Father, to identify the counterfeit treasures I am holding onto.  

Bless me with the faith and strength to let go 

so that I can receive thy abundance!

Day 7--- Do You Hear What I Hear?

This morning I want to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to my Father for placing this Walk With the Savior in my mind and heart about 6 weeks ago.  What a beautiful experience this has been for me!  I have gained many new insights as I have sat down to type out these impressions.  Thank you so much for joining with me.  It has been my prayer this week that the Father would bring individuals to this page who are truly seeking a deeper relationship with the Savior. I have plead with Him that He would use me to deliver the message He would have you receive.  It is my hope that this has been a meaningful experience for you.  The overarching theme which He has impressed upon me through this Walk is that:

• You are His child, Most precious in His Sight!
• Through reliance on His Son, your inadequacy is transformed into sufficiency!
• If you will let go of your own will and trust in His, He will literally work miracles through you! 

My final post for this Week-Long Walk will be tomorrow morning.  Through 2011, I will be posting once a week... I am thinking on Sunday mornings.  I invite you to become a follower so that you can receive email alerts each time I post.  Once again, thank you for your companionship.  It truly warms my heart!
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Do You Hear What I Hear?
 
The Old Testament prophet, Amos, teaches:

Surely the Lord God will do nothing, 
but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
 Amos 3:7

In Ephesians 2:19-20 Paul declares:

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, 
but fellow citizens with the saints, and the household of God;
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, 
Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone

Paul further teaches:

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever

Hebrews 13:8

Today Lord, I ask thee to help me 
to hear and recognize thy voice!

I love that God is a God of consistency!  He has established His pattern and doesn't waiver from it.  As I study the Bible, I see a clear method which he has laid out.  He wants for those who seek Him to know how to find Him.  This is the very reason He has kept and preserved His word since the Creation.

Knowing that the Father loves His children who live on the earth today with the same fervor as those who lived in the times of Abraham, Elijah and Amos... it makes sense to me that He would continue to communicate with and guide us through these perilous, last days.  It is my testimony that God, being the same yesterday, today and forever, speaks to His children in present times, the same way that He always has.  It is also my testimony that each of His children are provided the means to have this truth confirmed in their own mind and  heart.  Each of us have access to the power of the Holy Ghost as a convincing witness of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful to be led by His prophet today, President Thomas S. Monson.  As I listen to Him warn, guide and counsel, I hear the voice of my Father leading me in paths of truth and safety.

Christ warns us to beware of false prophets.  He tells us exactly how we can detect them.  Remember, He has laid out His pattern in plainness so that those who truly seek Him can find Him.  He teaches:

For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit;  

neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

For every tree is known by his own fruit.

Luke 6:44-45

I invite you to study out the prophets of the Latter-days.  Judge for yourself if they bear the fruits of the Spirit.(see Galatians 5:22-23)  Prayerfully seek confirmation through the power of the Holy Ghost with real intent to act in accordance with the answer you receive.  I testify that the gifts which I have received in my own life as I have embraced the words of all of the prophets of God, are indeed the promised fruits of the Spirit.  My soul has literally been filled to overflowing with, love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.

I am so blessed to hear the voice of my Father clearly and lovingly guiding me through my earthly journey... home to Him. To you I ask... "Do You Hear What I Hear?".